Ceva Animal Health has strengthened its position in the global swine health market through the acquisition of Spanish biotechnology company Aquilón CyL S.L., expanding its portfolio of biological solutions for intestinal diseases while reinforcing its long-term strategy to advance sustainable livestock production.
The transaction brings into Ceva's portfolio the first and only commercially available European vaccine against swine dysentery caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, a highly infectious bacterial disease responsible for significant production losses and increased antibiotic use across pig farming operations worldwide.
Founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the University of León, Aquilón has built expertise in swine gastrointestinal research, diagnostics, and biological product development, translating academic science into commercially viable solutions for on-farm disease management. Its scientific capabilities have positioned the company as a specialist in addressing intestinal health challenges that directly affect animal welfare, productivity, and producer profitability.
The acquisition enhances Ceva's disease prevention platform at a time when livestock industries globally are accelerating efforts to reduce antibiotic dependence while improving herd health through vaccination and precision disease management. As regulatory scrutiny over antimicrobial use intensifies, preventive biological solutions are increasingly becoming central to modern swine production systems.
Beyond expanding its commercial vaccine portfolio, the agreement also strengthens Ceva's research and development capabilities. Aquilón's scientific team will join the company, adding specialized expertise in intestinal microbiology, diagnostics, and vaccine development that is expected to accelerate innovation across Ceva's global swine health pipeline.
The integration is expected to support the development of new vaccines and diagnostic technologies aimed at improving disease prevention while promoting more sustainable production practices across international pork markets.
The acquisition also reflects broader consolidation trends within the animal health industry, where leading companies continue to invest in biotechnology firms with niche expertise to address emerging livestock health challenges through innovation rather than therapeutic intervention.
As global pork producers face mounting pressure to improve productivity, animal welfare, and antimicrobial stewardship simultaneously, the combination of Ceva's international commercial network and Aquilón's specialized scientific expertise is expected to strengthen access to advanced biological tools for swine producers worldwide.
